EXPLAINED: 4 - The Real Truth

Looking back at their early years for inspiration, Smashing Pumpkins announce new album Aghori Mhori Mei

Aghori Mhori Mei finds Billy Corgan looking back to the era of the early Smashing Pumpkins' albums

Louder · Jul 22, 2024

“My main recording guitar is a 1959 Jazzmaster. I haven’t changed the strings in eight years! They’re completely dead, but I just love the sound of it”: Grant Nicholas on why he doesn’t mind Feeder being called the UK Foo Fighters – or Smashing Pumpkins

As the UK rock heavyweights return with their first-ever double album, Black/Red, Grant Nicholas checks in to discuss his love of old strings, broken Tube Screamers and fuzz – lots and lots of fuzz…

Guitar World · Jun 11, 2024

"For 90s alt rock fans, this is the holy grail": Weezer and The Smashing Pumpkins kick off their UK tour with setlists that are a Gen-X wet dream

Live debuts, surprise covers and all the alt rock hits you could ever possibly want - Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins kick off their UK tour in Birmingham

Metal Hammer · Jun 10, 2024

“I wondered if she would fit in, because I knew her as more of a metal guitarist… She just felt like a real breath of fresh air”: Billy Corgan reveals how many guitarists the Smashing Pumpkins auditioned in person – and how they knew Kiki Wong was the one

The band have also finished a guitar record that will make “the old-school fans happy”

Guitar World · Jun 5, 2024

“I may not be the absolute best player out there – in fact, I know I’m not! But what I have is an undying love for guitar and heavy metal”: Kiki Wong landed the gig of a lifetime with the Smashing Pumpkins – and she knows she has big shoes to fill

The 35-year-old Instagram shredder was chosen from 10,000 applicants after she’d almost given up on her dream. She opens up on the interview and audition process, bonding with Billy Corgan over Dimebag Darrell, and why getting the guitarist spot was as joyful as giving birth

Guitar World · May 21, 2024

“I gave up hope on any future tours. I threw together a resume and sent it in, thinking it probably would get lost”: Kiki Wong reveals how she nailed her Smashing Pumpkins audition ahead of 10,000 other candidates

The Instagram shredder was recently announced as the alt-rock icons' newest guitarist following a lengthy worldwide open audition

Guitar World · May 15, 2024

“My friend called me: ‘You won’t believe this, and it’s probably not gonna happen, but I gave Billy Corgan your number. He might call you, he might not…’” Ginger Pooley reflects on her time with the Smashing Pumpkins – and why she had to give it up

Before she returns to action with Garbage, Ginger Pooley reveals how she went from teenage Pumpkins obsessive to landing the bassist spot alongside Billy Corgan, the challenge of quitting the band she loved, and what she learned along the way

Guitar World · May 10, 2024

"In a way, I can hear that song now as the end of an era": Billy Corgan on the Smashing Pumpkins classic that put a stop to one era of the band

Corgan said one Mellon Collie... cut was written to bid farewell to one aspect of the grunge giants' sound

Louder · May 4, 2024

"It’s great that someone of her acumen will be part of our touring family": The Smashing Pumpkins unveil their new guitarist

Billy Corgan's crew put out an open call for a new member in January and they've found the latest addition to their line-up

Metal Hammer · Apr 26, 2024

“I never thought little ol’ 15-year-old me playing metal guitar in my bedroom would amount to this moment”: Smashing Pumpkins name social media shredder Kiki Wong as new guitarist after 10,000 applications

The popular Instagram guitarist will tour the world with the alt-rock legends from June 2024

Guitar World · Apr 26, 2024